continued...

So now we get a chance to revisit this wonderful musical journey, thanks to modern technology, and Peter's pride and passion in his first solo work. Peter himself after many albums and singles spanning over 30 years still holds FOT nearest his heart, and didn't hesitate at the chance to give it a second run over 2 decades after it's initial release. He can still be heard belting out Fear of Thunder and I Remember in his solo acoustic shows around his adopted base in Brisbane, and regularly in his old stomping ground in Victoria. The songs are classic Cupples, moving lyrics, charming melodies, stories of growing up in Australia, and of just growing up. The ballads are uplifting , the pop tunes are infectious, the rock numbers inspiring, they fold into each other song after song, as stories unfold.

The journey starts with the thumping opening title track Fear of Thunder, which is in itself a musical extravaganza,listen out for Roger Mclaughlin's bass.Next is the Latin styled Here We Are featuring   David Jones and David Hirschfelder together. We slow down to the wonderful You Never Know, a song that like a great wine, has got better by the year. Listen out for Tommy Emanuel's moving guitar solo. Later Tonight is light pop featuring Peter himself in a guitar solo, followed by the duelling guitars of Ron Peers and Tony Naylor in Our Evolution. Blame it on the Weather features the voice at it's peak. This was probably the song that should have given the album a single hit. A favourite with the live crowds, it was also released by John Farnham, Ross Inglis' guitar the standout in this track. I'm on fire is more classy pop with a hint of gospel, if you listen closely you may hear Hirschfelder in one of his rare vocal efforts. The digital recording probably shines out most in I Remember, a moving tale of Australiana, which captures the warmth , richness and clarity of Peter's vocals , along with some great Harmonica work from Broderick Smith. Sweet Summer Nights is a reminder of the smooth Stylus style coming through, memories of Byron Bay quickly spring to mind, Sam Mcnally on the keyboards and Tommy Emanuel again on the guitar. The album finishes on a high with I'm Into You featuring the late great Mike Kelly Clarke on Bass. It is another expression of   musical style and leaves you hoping there is another song to come. Unfortunately there isn't, and it's a bit like the end of a great movie, you just want it to continue.

You can't mention FOT without talking about the musicians. This album featured the who's who of Australian music at the time. David Hirschfelder, Virgil Donati, Tommy Emanuel, David Jones, Ron Peers, Roger Mclaughlin,   Mike Clarke, Sam Mcnally, Bill Harrower, Bob Vinier, John Barrett, Ross Hannaford, Broderick Smith the list goes on and on, and it shows in the quality of the music. Hirschfelder went on to become one of Australia's most decorated musicians, Donati is known all around the world as one of the finest drummers on the planet, these guys formed an integral part of the PCB, which developed a cult following in suburban Melbourne where a privileged few discovered that something special was doing the rounds, and witnessed this fine band in full flight at the time.

If you get a chance to listen to Fear Of Thunder circa 2004, don't think about the fact that it is over 20 years old, and just marvel in what a gem it is today. Enjoy the culmination of the finest singers, and some of the finest musicians Australia has ever produced all playing together in one wonderful tapestry of music.

May the magic of Fear Of Thunder touch a generation of music lovers today the way it did the first time around. Maybe this time it will receive the wider acceptance it deserves.

As Peter says in his notes on the album..”You will be the judge.”